As disruptions to global shipping routes continue to drive energy prices higher – with oil prices set to reach more than $100 a barrel in March 2026 – the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will connect global investors with emerging supply and investment opportunities across Africa's coal value chain.
The event will include a panel titled Africa's Mining Opportunities in the Geopolitical Sector, which will examine how ongoing geopolitical tensions and disruption to global shipping routes are reshaping energy markets and creating new opportunities for Africa's coal mining sector.
Demand for coal is rising as Asian economies turn to coal to stabilize power generation and reduce oil and gas price volatility caused by ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz – a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which transports 20% of the world's oil and gas. According to Morgan Stanley research, coal demand in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan could increase by 1.5 – 2 million tonnes per month if the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues. This represents an 8-10% increase in import demand, presenting an opportunity for coal-producing regions like Africa to increase exports, strengthen revenues and contribute to global energy security.
African producers are already positioning themselves to capitalize on this growing demand. For example, South African mining company Exxaro Resources aims to increase coal exports by 12% to about 8 million metric tons (MT) in 2026, up from 7.1 million tons in 2025. In 2025, the company reported a 2% growth in coal export volumes as well as higher coal production and sales volumes of 39.9 MT and 39.6 MT respectively, highlighting its ability to contribute to growing demand.
At the national level, efforts by South Africa to revitalize its rail infrastructure will add an additional 6 million tonnes of export capacity in 2026, enabling the country to capitalize on rising coal demand for higher export revenues. Meanwhile, Mozambique's plan to increase coal production by 15% to more than 22 million tonnes in 2026 comes at a strategic moment, allowing the country to benefit from rising coal demand amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Zimbabwe has achieved 100% growth in coal exports in the first eight months to 2025, placing it well-positioned to leverage its production and export potential to expand its role in the global coal supply chain. Similarly, Botswana is pursuing a strategy to diversify its mining sector beyond diamonds through expanded coal production, strategically poised to take advantage of rising demand for coal and disruptions in the oil and gas market to increase revenues.
Against this backdrop, AMW 2026 will serve as a strategic platform that will connect global investors to opportunities across Africa's coal mining value chain – from exploration and project development to infrastructure and export logistics.
Co-located with the Investing in African Energy: African Energy Week conference and exhibition – Africa's premier gathering for energy stakeholders – this event will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders in both the mining and energy sectors, fostering partnerships that support Africa's growing role in meeting global energy demand.